In a statement yesterday, the ministry's Pharmaceutical Services senior director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman said the use of tretinoin, hydroquinone and dexamethasone in cosmetics may cause various side effects and should only be used under medical supervision.

Tretinoin can cause redness to the skin, peeling, discomfort and sensitivity to sunlight while hydroquinone can cause redness to skin, discomfort, skin discolouration, hypersensitivity and a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin.

“It also inhibits the pigmentation process and this attenuates the ability of the skin to protect our body from harmful UV rays, which can lead to the risk of getting skin cancer,” she said.

Eisah said that dexamethasone, a steroid, when used topically, can cause skin irritation, dry skin, acne, thinning of the skin and increased risk of skin infections.

Prolonged use of topical steroids may result in systemic side effects such as suppression of the adrenal glands, metabolic disturbances and immune response impairment.

“Anyone who is in possession of the products is advised to immediately cease selling, distributing or using it,” she said.

6 comments:

Yeah you have be really careful of products with Hydroquinone in it. I've read in various magazines that it's like a poison they put in lotions and creams. They banned the sale of this ingredient in the US but I still see it sometimes in some things.

Just wanted to let you know that I actually use 0.025% tretinoin on my face most nights. It works beautifully for me and most of the patients that visit my clinic as well. I work in a medical clinic/cosmetic surgery which produces their own skincare lines (including products that contain tretinoin and hydroquinone).

These ingredients are safe to use only under medical supervision, so it's best not to use products that have not been recommended by a proper dermatologist/skin specialist. Moreover, you will be advised on how to use these products appropriately. Such products must only be used sparingly at night, and you MUST use sunblock (at least SPF 30+) during the day, even on overcast days.

The products you've mention probably contain very small amounts of these potentially dangerous ingredients but due unregulated quality control in developing countries, it is really not worth the risk!! Always ask for professional advice!